The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s “Love in Action” telethon, held on Aug. 14 on KTLA, raised more than $1.1 million for the center’s programs and services.

“I’m over the moon with gratitude to everyone who has given so generously to make this so successful,” Los Angeles LGBT Center CEO Lorri L. Jean said. “Thanks to [donors], we are going to be able to care for so many more people in our community and keep our vital programs going.”

The telethon was co-hosted by KTLA anchor Cher Calvin and original “Queer Eye” cast member Jai Rodriguez. Drag performer Heidi N Closet updated viewers on the totals raised.

Information was also provided on the center’s programs and services including the Center South in South Los Angeles, the Mi Centro facility in Boyle Heights and the center’s Pride Pantry, which combats food insecurity.

“Hunger is a big thing in our community as is meeting the needs of our senior clients and youth experiencing homelessness,” Jean said. “Lots of people don’t realize that LGBT people are twice as likely as their straight counterparts to be uninsured and about twice as likely to report much more anxiety and depression during the pandemic. So that’s why our medical care and our mental health services are so important. We don’t turn anyone away for lack of funds.”

Executive Director Joe Hollendoner, who will succeed Jean as CEO when she retires in July 2022, appeared in a segment from the center’s 104-unit Triangle Square in Hollywood, the nation’s first and largest affordable apartment complex for low-income LGBT seniors.

“Those who pioneered our movement in the 1960s and ’70s don’t just experience the typical concerns that come with aging,” Hollendoner said. “The sad fact is LGBT seniors are four times more likely than their straight counterparts to live alone and have no family to support them. They really need the center’s help.”

The center is currently building the Ariadne Getty Foundation Senior Housing facility adjacent to the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Anita May Rosenstein Campus on Santa Monica Boulevard. The new housing facility will have 98 apartments.

“Instead of facing homelessness, our residents can age with dignity in a home that celebrates who they are and doesn’t force them back into the closet,” Hollendoner added.

Celebrities supporting the telethon included Eva Longoria, RuPaul, Adam Lambert, Pauley Perrette, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda. Lambert highlighted the challenges facing LGBT youth.

“Even before the pandemic hit, LGBT youth faced so many challenges,” Lambert said. “COVID-19 obviously made it much tougher to access these services. Thankfully, the center has been, and continues to be, there for them.”

For information, visit lalgbtcenter.org.